A Pakistani police officer carries ballot boxes for today's parliamentary elections at District Court in Lahore, Pakistan, yesterday. - AP

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP):

Opposition leaders warned yesterday against massive fraud as Pakistanis prepared to choose a new parliament in an election seen as a major step towards democracy that could determine the political survival of President Pervez Musharraf.

United States Congress members urged Musharraf to live up to promises of a free and fair vote, despite opinion surveys pointing to an opposition victory in today's election.

Musharraf was re-elected last October to a new five-year term. But the retired general faces growing public anger over his moves last year to declare emergency rule, purge the judiciary and curb independent media.

The election is broadly seen as a referendum on eight years of Musharraf's rule - including his alliance with the United States that many Pakistanis oppose. An overwhelming victory by the opposition would leave him politically vulnerable, even at risk of impeachment.

Polls open at 8 a.m. (0300 GMT) and close at 5 p.m. (1200 GMT). First results are expected tonight but final, official figures are not likely until Wednesday. The country's 81 million eligible voters will also choose legislatures in Pakistan's four provinces.

Fair election

Public opinion surveys have suggested that if the election is fair, the Pakistan People's Party of assassinated former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto will finish first, followed by another opposition party led by former-premier Nawaz Sharif.

The pro-Musharraf party - the Pakistani Muslim League-Q - is trailing a distant third, according to the surveys.